A down round, in which a company secures capital at a valuation lower than prior rounds, presents challenges yet also opens paths for stabilization and potential growth. Here’s a 6-step approach on how to lead them: 1. Preparation and Transparency Anticipate potential down rounds by realistically assessing your company’s valuation and being transparent about its […]
For startup founders, balancing the act of securing funding at a fair valuation without sacrificing too much equity is challenging. Below, I’ve summarized key strategies to deal with this topic effectively. Choosing the Right Investors Wisely Selecting the right investors for your startup is more than just securing capital—it’s about finding partners who align with […]
Not long ago, a growing startup on the verge of securing seed funding contacted us. You may wonder why they sought assistance when funding seemed nearly secured. The investment journey was turbulent. Strong investors, recognizing the company’s potential, offered substantial investment but with very high demands – the founders nearly gave away half of their […]
Liquidity is often overlooked in financial planning despite its importance in maintaining business operations. Managing liquidity can be especially challenging for growing companies, particularly given the additional investments required for scaling, such as funding inventory, hiring staff, and expanding infrastructure. This article explores 11 strategies to enhance liquidity and ensure your business remains operationally sound […]
Research shows that to scale and become a market leader, a company must excel in four building blocks: strategy, people, execution, and finances. What many tend to forget is that each of these factors is underpinned by a numerical dimension. During my time as an investment analyst, I evaluated each of these dimensions meticulously for […]
A few months ago, we were contacted by a well-known tech startup that had experienced meteoric growth. Their revenue had tripled, and they had expanded their team from 10 to 20 employees in just six months. On the surface, it was a success story in the making. However, despite the soaring sales and healthy cash […]
The Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 rule, offers a powerful lens through which we can view task management and efficiency. By understanding and applying this principle, individuals in high-stakes roles, such as CEOs, can significantly enhance their productivity and strategic focus. Let’s embark on a detailed exploration, using a CEO named Alex as an example […]
Understanding and leveraging the core elements of financial management is critical for organizations to not only survive but thrive. When implemented carefully, these pillars promote effective financial governance, enabling businesses to navigate the complexities of financial planning, execution, and strategy with precision and foresight. They include: 📚 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 Often considered the language of business, accounting […]
In the age of technology, startups that leverage AI in finance don’t just lead; they redefine industry standards. This comprehensive guide delves into how generative AI revolutionizes startup finance, from core operations like accounting to strategic domains such as risk management and capital planning. Core Financial Operations Enhanced by AI Accounting: Precision and […]
In 2025, the role of the startup CFO extends far beyond traditional financial management. Today’s CFOs are pivotal in strategic decision-making, technological integration, and fostering business growth and sustainability. This blog examines the expanded and dynamic roles of startup CFOs in the modern business landscape. Traditional Role and New Challenges for Startup CFOs 1. The […]